![]() Produced water and finding ways to treat and reuse that water so it becomes a needed new source of water for thirsty Texans in the future is also a top priority. That need for electricity is illustrated by the high congestion charges levied, he said, projecting that over the last three years those charges have risen over $1 billion. The PBPA has also been working to educate the Public Utility Commission that West Texas needs more electricity, especially as the energy industry moves to electrify its drilling rigs and frac fleets. He is also concerned about the negative impact of new rules on weatherization of production facilities and designation of critical infrastructure. Texas leads in renewable energy from wind and solar, he noted, but sources like natural gas are needed to keep the grid reliable and safe. So it’s heartening to see legislators also realize its importance” in their call for more thermal energy. “I don’t need to tell you the importance of natural gas. “Grid reform is extremely important to us,” Shepperd said. While there is a need to fix and modernize the grid, what shape those changes make are a concern. Priorities that could affect the Permian’s oil and gas industry include another top priority, grid reform in the wake of the near-meltdown of the state’s grid during 2021’s Winter Storm Uri. With the state flush with a record $32.7 billion surplus, he said tax property tax relief is clearly legislators’ top priority. ![]() The Texas Legislature is about halfway through its session and Shepperd said the association is still combing through the record 8,000 bills that have been filed in order to get a sense of legislative priorities. He attributed that optimism to signs members of the Biden Administration and some Democrats are beginning to push back against some environmental proposals as they become aware the public is increasingly realizing oil and natural gas will still be needed for years to come. Passing HB 1, the Lower Energy Cost Act, a package of energy legislation unveiled this week by House Republicans is also a priority, he said.ĭespite the challenges, he commented, “I feel there are stronger chances than in the last couple of years of getting things done.” Shepperd reiterated the association’s intention to sue the FWS over the listing, likely after an extended comment period ends next week and said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intends to file a lawsuit alongside the PBPA. Then there’s the Lesser Prairie Chicken, which was recently listed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened in its southern habitat, which includes portions of Texas, and as endangered in its northern habitat. In the nation’s capital, PBPA President Ben Shepperd told the audience that industry supporters are undertaking initiatives that will: ![]()
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